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Could trucks be banned from overtaking cyclists?

03/07/2014

A new radical government proposal to create cycle streets could leave HGV drivers banned from overtaking cyclists whilst driving.

Part of a consultation on updating traffic signs and road markings, the new cycle streets will give bike users priority on lightly trafficked roads, as well as imposing a 15mph speed limit and possible overtaking bans for motorists said the Department for Transport.

The Department for Transport wants to start its initiative by running trials of the cycle-priority zones in London, a main city for cycling, along with other highly populated cycle routes e.g. those that received a share of the governments 77m funding to improve cycling infrastructure such as Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.

However, Chris Snelling, head of urban logistics policy at the Freight Transport Association, is concerned about the lack of detail in the consultation and is urging the DfT to provide further information. “Is this a carte blanche for councils to turn any road they want into a cycle street and ban overtaking, while asking vehicles to stick to a 15mph limit? This would be unsustainable from a logistics point of view,” he said.

“Is this a carte blanche for councils to turn any road they want into a cycle street and ban overtaking, while asking vehicles to stick to a 15mph limit? This would be unsustainable from a logistics point of view.” Urban logistics policy at the Freight Transport Association, Chris Snelling said. Snelling also said he was concerned about the lack of detail in the consultation and is urging the DfT to provide more information about it.

Director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, Jack Semple said: ““I think we will probably be OK with the cycle streets – especially if the cyclists stick to 15mph. However, of more concern is the extent to which some local authorities are re-thinking the speed limit on some roads where 30mph is sensible and considering imposing a 20mph limit. That is fine for many roads, but I fear it may be over-done by some councils.”

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